I agree with you that the players are not protected. 🤑 It was shocking that the stadium wasn't prepared with water extracting equipment. Especially since the bad weather this year in California. So impressed with how the team played. Alyssa is amazing!!!! Sam I love how you give props to All!! your natural at podcasting 😊 You've had hard couple years. Having to retire so young is tough. You're a class act a Survivor and truly a beautiful person. Rock on Sis👏
I’m so excited for you that you’re going to the game. Safe travels! I was so impressed with Lynn’s speed and ability to really get on the ball even with the ridiculous conditions. It was tough to watch and so unfair to both teams. Can’t wait for Sunday! I would love to hear who you think should start in the final and what they should continue to do/change for this game
That game revealed such tenacity and strength of every player, both teams. Have never seen anything like it. Was painful to watch, but their spirits are the winner of that match.
A view from Canada - I watched the complete game. Yes, it should have been postponed. Concacaf should be embarrassed. That said, The USA won by playing safe and waiting for Canada to make mistakes. The only error that the US made (and were caught out on) was the penalty at the end of 120 minutes. Even the penalties was a matter of Canada making mistakes and the US not doing so. Having caoched in terrible conditions, that's how I approached the game and won. how about Canada? I liked what I saw. They played with determination. They obviously have skill, speed, and the will to win. Gilles mistake on the second goal was only due to her being zealous. easy to criticize the individual moment but she was there all night long, to the very end of 120. They never would have got to the penalties without her. but the whole team played like her. I was impressed. what is the rest of the story? two penalties not called in the game. that was a foul of N. Rose in the first period and it was a foul on J Fleming in the second. would they have made those penalties? well, they would have more likely have done than in the shoot-out because they were went so exhausted at those points in the game. You can't beat the referees. My take-away from the game? These are two very good teams and I look forward to seeing them play again and often.
Jaeden Shaw, pouncing on that back pass mistake like a cat, and then making a nice technical finish was impressive. Game, set, and match to Alyssa Naeher, though. Wow! That look of steel she gets in those critical moments is locked in, and then she finishes each moment as if time is ticking for her purpose exclusively. It's so amazing to witness greatness in great moments!
I still can’t believe this match was allowed to go on! I really thought they were going to cancel it. I still think they should have but it led to a pretty insane game in the end
Yes her spontaneous reactions are great but this was a summation of the match. Reason these vids work is she does write sharp, concise script points that keep her effectively on track. Her videos are like reading a well written news article, I grow weary of certain shows with a talking head or two on the panel that just drone on and on adding little to the discourse other then their own voice and ego. (which is why I can never do what Sam and company bring every time for the fans. I'm long winded Dunning-Kruger.🤣)
I'd argue that a talking head show (which this certainly is) is way better off as a document of spontaneous reactions rather than an article being read to me. "Should've been an email" is a popular criticism of meetings that could've been just a few written paragraphs and this applies to all of blogging (and vlogging). If this video could've been article, I'd rather read that myself than have it read for me.@@dylanmaxey2531
I'm shocked that they didn't postpone the game. Not only was the risk of injury considerable, but the conditions made this game not even remotely resemble the game we are trying to play. What's the point of that?
@@skibrat Really the only fortunate thing was that this game was decided by PK's where the conditions ceased to be a deciding factor. The only time I've ever thought a shootout to end a game was a good idea. 😂
I heard/read (don't know if it's true, but) the reason they didn't cancel/postpone the match was because it would've given these teams an (unfair) extra day of rest, which, if true, is not only cynical but also misaligned with general safety concerns.
Naeher is so humble. She doesn’t get high on highs or low on lows. Elite mindset. Legend. She is captain material and should have that role with Horan. No doubt.
I got to watch the highlights this morning since I don't have any of the streaming services. Absolutely insane field conditions. Should have been delayed or rescheduled. But it was what it was. I always love our rivalry with our neighbors. Alyssa is underrated. I guess because she's the quiet type. No drama, just game. Keepers will be keepers, their own world. She's a boss and hope she still has a few more years in her!
LOVE IT!! I was screaming at the TV in disbelief that the game was being allowed to continue and my gut was turning with concern for all of the women on the pitch!! UNBELIEVABLE! The grit and determination on the field by both teams was impressive! Got my ticket to the Final and would love to say hi and grab a quick selfie :). Went to the World Cup last summer and journeyed with the team through that, and I'm super excited to see the path they are on at this point after rebounding from the bizarre knockout against Sweden where the world watched a game of inches turn into a game of millimeters. My heart fell out of my chest with compassion and heartache for the team as that was one of the most bizarre endings to a match I have seen in my short life span. Ashley. is. a. LEGEND - oh my is she ever!
Yay Alyssa 🥰I've enjoyed watching her play for years and seeing that superb performance was amazing. Alyssa should be MVP for the game and the tournament. If there was ever any doubt that soccer organizations do not care about the players as people, it was washed away during this game. Player safety needs to be elevated to a much higher level. Significantly so. There are too many injuries. Morgan was on this roster because of an injury. And the unsafe playing conditions during this game were appalling.
Hi Sam! How are you? We miss you on the pitch!!! Great summarizing the great game win against the CANWNT. The soggy field was bad to play on by both parties, but on the small mischievous thought that how often do you see this treacherous and funny water flashing like kids game huh????🤩🤩🤩 Alyssa NAEHER has moved all doubts about her as of late about last season lack of luster performance!!!! She has demonstrated and shown with flying colors that she still is the goat for the USWNT in this tournament so far! Good for her! I anticipate the water on the field will be less on Sunday if not completely dried. We’ll see! Go team USA 🌹💖⚽️🇺🇸👍🤩
Another takeaway should be how amazing Korbin Albert was, I think she was a beast last night, amazing for a player so young. I'm glad the coaches noticed and she was the only young player not substituted. think she is a future leader of this team. I think she's been really good the whole tournament, one game a little weaker, but one of the best players of this team in this tournament.
This game should never have been played in those conditions in the UK it would have been postponed as it would be classed as dangerous I’ve just watched the highlights and I’ve seen better pitches having games postponed
It has been reported that the CONCACAF tournament head overruled the referee, who wanted to postpone. Name some CONCACAF names, please. You know more than me, but I was chewing off my nails at the US defensive strategy during the 2nd extra time period, which was to try playing keep-away in the Canadian corner.
Thank u sm for talking about the conditions. It’s super infuriating as a viewer and I can’t even imagine how the players felt. #incompetency #lackofconsideration period!
One of my best friends tried to make a quick turn in the mud and he fucked up his knee so badly he's very injury prone even 10 years later. This game got me very heated very quickly.
When our Federation can’t recognize unsafe playing conditions then it is time to realize the organization needs a major house cleaning! Who is in charge? Do the honorable thing abd resign - today!
And WTF was the no-call on the clear fowl on Fleming? Americans need to acknowledge ref bias in their favour. Thanks Sam for the positive shout out to the Canucks.
To be clear, there were a lot of no calls on Canada’s defense. Canada should have had 2 PKs for sure but also considering the horrible fouls that were against Rodman and Fox (Canada’s defense should have had a red card honestly), I’m not surprised they didn’t call those
Well Done Sam. I miss your Snacks podcast. CHOMP!!! But I am so happy you are continuing to broadcast and that Lynn will be joining you soon. Hopefully, I will see you at the game on Sunday :)
I agree with you about the safety. The other issue in the first half in particular was that due to the conditions it felt like the game play was lost. Luck would be the reason for scoring and certainly the first goal was just a lucky break. It was frustrating and funny.
I gotta say that this game could've been one of the bests ever cause they are the best 2 teams on this competition I gotta say I was divided because I love both teams and these players deserved much better conditions to show their talent. I'm happy either way cause in the end US was the best one, they scored more penalties. But let me say this, right now, I believe that Canada has the best attack! You can desagree but thats the truth. I believe overall they have the best team. Period. I would ONLY change a few things and let players like Alidou play cause they are good strickers. Lacasse is on fire not ONLY here but also in Arsenal and was the best stricker ever of Benfica and was only there for 2 years. That says a lot. Alidou is following the same steps, she has 21 goals in 30 matches overall. Olivia Smith is doing great in Sporting too. I also wanna say that flaming was one of the best on the field this game. If not the best at all, of course not counting with goalkeepers. They have a lot of potencial to have an amazing olympics. To the US, it's time to get this throphy and show the world that you guys are more than ready for the olympics. Let's go.
Why do we see it rain like crazy during English Premier and Super League games and their fields don’t get water logged? You played over there-please give us your take on the field itself. That was crazy they made them play but that is so CONCACAF and USA balled out. Plus you didn’t mention that TV showed your tweet!!😊
My added two cents from being there last night: (1) Alyssa was clearly the best goalkeeper of the four teams in the semi-finals. In fact, you could draw a STARK contrast between the Mexican goalkeeper's hesitation in going all-out for a basll or not leading to probably two of the three goals Brazil scored on her versus Naeher's FAST decision-making with ZERO hesitation in racing toward a ball. I even noted at one point that she did so knowing full-well there were one or even two teammates in position to protect the goal in case she miscalculated. But her scrambling out to the edge of the box in risky situations was clutch on multiple occasions. (2) I remember in my youth watching gritty mano-a-mano knuckle fights between players in outside stadiums in American football matches between known blue-collar fandom rustbelt teams like Pittsburgh and Buffalo in the snow, and while I was worried for the players and thought it would be unfair for whichever team that advanced to have some injured players against Brazil, which saw very little rain in its match hours earlier, I did enjoy the grittiness... especially because it seemed to me that the Americans were much faster to realize that (a) you couldn't count on how far the ball would travel and thus it was better to boot the ball as far as you could, maybe bounce it off of opposing players, or try to swarm opposing players to get the ball back; and (b) that the more willing you were to get up-close-and-personal with elbows and knees the better. The Canadians didn't figure that (b) part out until after the half, and even then, the US team was better at it. We dominated the entire game because of the high energy the entire squad displayed. (3) Not only was the condition of the pitch unacceptable, I felt that the referee was FAR too lenient in letting players get TOO physical in their play. I think being wildly defensive with elbows is fine, but the Canadians in the first twenty minutes or more seemed to have discovered that a great way to stop advancing American strikers was to "slip" in the water somehow directly in front of the American fielding the ball, taking them out AND stealing the ball after they both went down since they then had the advantage in getting up first or having a teammate close by to take it. That was obvious to me, since there was no contact and it happened a lot for awhile there.
Sam…it is disgraceful that the game officials didn’t have the courage to stop the game and replay it today. You have described what the players went through. But the fans took a beating also. These are two fine sides and we have a right to watch them play. Last night was so ridiculous, I stopped watching, and . I have never done that. It simply wasn’t a game. Thx for your insights
Hello Sam. Well said. I joked elsewhere that it was water polo, but you are right that it was beyond a joke. London City v Arsenal got postponed in similar conditions recently. FIFA need to make sure the needs of TV do not come first over safety. Brazil had three things to teach Mexico. Goal 1, goal 2 and goal 3. Good luck US in final. It will be a good lesson going forward, whatever happens.
IMO money was the reason the game was not postponed. Twila’s post game cautious commentary gave the impression no one wanted to call out CONCACAF for not supporting ref who demonstrated TWICE (pre game and half) how bad things were. Even tho CONCACAF claimed it was up to the ref in statements to the press, cameras showed ref discussing issue with someone who was referred to as the CONCACAF official who let the match continue. Isn’t there a player’s association that protects them? Canada and US players were lucky no one was seriously injured.
I totally agree, Sam. I thought it was wrong & unsafe to make the players continue to play on the horrible field condition. Also, it was amazing win!! Alyssa is a Super Star. She saved 3 goals and scored her penalty kick.
I felt this was so disrespectful to pretend that these elite players are playing in youth soccer. This is their livelihood- an injury can cost someone their career or Olympics.
What is frustrating- and maybe someone from the area can comment but I am sure field caretakers/owners knew that the field would be a problem. It likely does that every time it rains heavily. So shame on them for not doing something about it. Rollers etc could have made the field a whole lot better- that and a 2 hour delay could have gotten the field a lot more playable if they had the right equipment- doesn’t anyone look at a forecast out there? Part of the problem is that we are used to playing on wet fields - but fields that drain so there is not standing water.
That game should have been stopped. Or stop it for the staff to get the puddles of the field. Thank god for no injuries. The Teams adjusted though. Amazing that Canada kept on kicking the PKs to the same spot. Nothing against the Naeher, but those seemed easier gets.
I was wondering during the game if it wasn’t in fact safer being water logged. After all, it was harder to olant and flip a knee, and going to ground in most cases meant a slide on water. Not that these were conditions to play in. The teams had to play the field they were on, rather than a prepared game plan. To me, that brought out their true natures, what they are comfortable doing. The U.S. strength is making runs that take advantage of the other team’s weaknesses and (this time) errors, but as usual couldn’t do anything in the final 18. Conversely, that was where Canada was able to show their wares at crunch time. Then there was Alyssa Naher getting mad - and determined - and the Canadians not thinking through what they were doing in the PKs. Be interesting to see how Brazil plays the U.S. Sunday.
Thanks Sam! This water polo game, played according to soccer rules, is why all athletes need to organize unions: the interests of ticket sellers and broadcasters/streamers need the counterweight of the players. Nevertheless, Alyssa Naeher's finale was astounding so I take guilty pleasure that the match was played through.
What exactly are the weather-related risks for players in a game like the US/Canada semi? I'm a huge fan of the NWSL and the USWNT but have only been following closely for a handful of years and only played myself as a little kid, so my knowledge is quite limited. It's obviously a different game due to how the ball moves with so much standing water, but both teams seemed to adjust to that and it looked a bit more like a volleyball game ; ). The pace seemed slower even if it took more energy due to the water, and the player vs. player interactions a bit less aggressive.
Sam, can you explain why the U.S. Chose to kill time and bring the ball to the corners the entire second half of OT? I feel like if we would have lost this game that would have been something we talked about. But since we won, it's getting glanced over. Thoughts?
Thank you, Sam. Analysis dead on. I think, though, that concacaf has the two English speaking countries play in those conditions intentionally. Even if no one got hurt, whichever won would be exhausted, beaten down, by the conditions. In a poorer condition to win against Brazil. You say incompetence, I saw intent.
Coach, I would like to ask you about the chosen tactics the US used in the second half of overtime. With only a one goal lead and everyone using Direct tactics I thought they went to the delay game way to early. I thought the US should have gotten one more goal before going into the time-wasting game. I am curious to see if you agree with what the US did or you think it was too early as well. I thought it was the most ridiculous soccer game I think I have ever seen played because of the conditions. See ya after the finals
This was outrageous making them play. Hope it won't affect their timing. Would The USMNT havenplayed in that?! Nails Naeher is my New nickname for Ms. 101 Caps.and counting....This game Toughens all of them up. A fitter Rose that we see may have made.the WC a different outcome with her playmaking.
They SHOULD have postponed the game. It felt like an AYSO game in the 90s. One observation that I would love to get your thoughts on... Am I wrong or did the team look Young/inexperienced? I can't ever recall seeing the ladies team try to protect a lead. Too many times we had everyone within 20-30 yards or our own goal and just kicking the ball away and then taking the ball into the corners with so much time left. Even when leading, we had always been on the attack and tried to control the ball to run out the time. To me, it looks like a team that does not have the confidence/mentality of USWNT teams of the past?
I know that the heavy rain occurred between warmups and the start of the match, but both captains should have refused to play and protect their players. That was not soccer and now the US team has recovery issues having to play longer last night and waterlogged too!!
Putting those players in a no win situation with the field conditions as they were. Completely unacceptable. Delay the game based on the weather forecast.
So two things: The first, to anyone who reads this, Concacaf, US Soccer and FIFA all have contact pages, reach out and complain about the unsafe conditions of this game and demand improvements for the future. The second; The United States intentionally wasted 15 minutes of play in the second half of extra time in the corner of the field, instead of trying to score. Why? That was disgraceful and dishonorable and it allowed the Canadians a chance back into the game. As far as I'm concerned, you play full time and if there are a couple of minutes left then you play conservatively to secure the win. This behavior from the US was unsportsmanlike, disgraceful and un-American. Shame on the coaching staff. Americans are supposed to give it their all till the end, wasting time like that was shameful.
I loved it. A different game set, something played once in a bunch of millennial games. That’s what you get for getting a Rugby shirt, dirty, nasty, and rough.
Of course it was unsafe and, no, it wasn't a surprise it continued. Concacaf and the TV network had money on the table and schedules to meet. If they had to postpone the game and the final, that put money at risk. That's all that matters to the rich dilettantes in charge of those organizations. The safety of the players just didn't matter.
Standing water on field why is the field not crowned this is unacceptable the players of bough teams should not have played thank god no one got heart 🇺🇸🏆
At the end if the day the powers that be and the stars aligned for them to right the wrong in allowing this match to proceed with equalizing the match with a bogus penalty kick. I did not think this was fair play for either team. If the match ended at the end of extra time the USWNT would not hear then end of it. But it didn't, it went to PK's. Basically each team was given a fair opportunity to win the match despite the crappy situation each team was handed by mother nature. The best team won.
Why is it that every time Mexico and Canada lose to the U.S., it was the refs? If they win, no problem. It was the weather and just plain bad luck that dictated this game not the refs. And, oh, yeah, some incredibly weak shots in the shootout.
Why is nobody talking about smith having a perfect ball to take down field and kill the rest of the clock . But no she made another mistake and gave it away and boom there’s the goal. The goal she did score could have been scored by any kid on u10 travel team.
Every time I think I've capped out my awe for Alyssa Naeher, she proves me wrong. Game shouldn't have gone on, but unbelievable tenacity from both teams (So glad we get to hear your thoughts Sam!!)
ACL injuries are one of the top results of playing in poor conditions like that. ACL injuries more frequent for women than men, so it's apples to oranges. FFS we don't even have female-specific footwear for professionals yet. Macario took 2 years to recover from hers. It's a huge deal in the women's game and should be recognized as such.
Between weather conditions and poor reffing, CONCACAF has put bodies and careers in danger repeatedly. What else is new!? THANKS for your advocacy SAM. VERY important! Go Alyssa Naeher!! ⚽🏟🥅👏🏾
Alyssa. Naeher. A true national treasure. Incredible. Horrible they played through that. It wasn't even the same game.
I agree with you that the players are not protected. 🤑
It was shocking that the stadium wasn't prepared with water extracting equipment. Especially since the bad weather this year in California.
So impressed with how the team played. Alyssa is amazing!!!!
Sam I love how you give props to All!!
your natural at podcasting 😊
You've had hard couple years. Having to retire so young is tough. You're a class act a Survivor and truly a beautiful person. Rock on Sis👏
Thanks Sam! Alyssa waa so mentally tough - fantastic! And Lynn really did cause problems with her press. So glad to see them through to the final!
I’m so excited for you that you’re going to the game. Safe travels! I was so impressed with Lynn’s speed and ability to really get on the ball even with the ridiculous conditions. It was tough to watch and so unfair to both teams. Can’t wait for Sunday! I would love to hear who you think should start in the final and what they should continue to do/change for this game
I was coming to comment about how FAST Lynn was, it was incredible!
That game revealed such tenacity and strength of every player, both teams. Have never seen anything like it. Was painful to watch, but their spirits are the winner of that match.
What I like about Sam is she doesn't go on and on for 50 minutes. Ten minutes max for this type of news.
A view from Canada - I watched the complete game. Yes, it should have been postponed. Concacaf should be embarrassed. That said, The USA won by playing safe and waiting for Canada to make mistakes. The only error that the US made (and were caught out on) was the penalty at the end of 120 minutes. Even the penalties was a matter of Canada making mistakes and the US not doing so. Having caoched in terrible conditions, that's how I approached the game and won. how about Canada? I liked what I saw. They played with determination. They obviously have skill, speed, and the will to win. Gilles mistake on the second goal was only due to her being zealous. easy to criticize the individual moment but she was there all night long, to the very end of 120. They never would have got to the penalties without her. but the whole team played like her. I was impressed. what is the rest of the story? two penalties not called in the game. that was a foul of N. Rose in the first period and it was a foul on J Fleming in the second. would they have made those penalties? well, they would have more likely have done than in the shoot-out because they were went so exhausted at those points in the game. You can't beat the referees. My take-away from the game? These are two very good teams and I look forward to seeing them play again and often.
Jaeden Shaw, pouncing on that back pass mistake like a cat, and then making a nice technical finish was impressive. Game, set, and match to Alyssa Naeher, though. Wow! That look of steel she gets in those critical moments is locked in, and then she finishes each moment as if time is ticking for her purpose exclusively. It's so amazing to witness greatness in great moments!
I still can’t believe this match was allowed to go on! I really thought they were going to cancel it. I still think they should have but it led to a pretty insane game in the end
I kinda wish Sam wasn't reading everything on the show, her natural reactions are always entertaining.
I do as well :(
Yes her spontaneous reactions are great but this was a summation of the match. Reason these vids work is she does write sharp, concise script points that keep her effectively on track. Her videos are like reading a well written news article, I grow weary of certain shows with a talking head or two on the panel that just drone on and on adding little to the discourse other then their own voice and ego. (which is why I can never do what Sam and company bring every time for the fans. I'm long winded Dunning-Kruger.🤣)
I'd argue that a talking head show (which this certainly is) is way better off as a document of spontaneous reactions rather than an article being read to me. "Should've been an email" is a popular criticism of meetings that could've been just a few written paragraphs and this applies to all of blogging (and vlogging). If this video could've been article, I'd rather read that myself than have it read for me.@@dylanmaxey2531
@@dylanmaxey2531 i knoww but i think a mix of both would be cool to see :) i love her personality (and these videos) regardless
Thanks for the great recap and analysis!
I'm shocked that they didn't postpone the game. Not only was the risk of injury considerable, but the conditions made this game not even remotely resemble the game we are trying to play. What's the point of that?
Can you imagine if the US lost? The ref was awful as well. So sad.
@@skibrat Really the only fortunate thing was that this game was decided by PK's where the conditions ceased to be a deciding factor. The only time I've ever thought a shootout to end a game was a good idea. 😂
I heard/read (don't know if it's true, but) the reason they didn't cancel/postpone the match was because it would've given these teams an (unfair) extra day of rest, which, if true, is not only cynical but also misaligned with general safety concerns.
@@Bamboo4U2 It would have given one day fewer rest to one of these teams going to the final.
Naeher is so humble. She doesn’t get high on highs or low on lows. Elite mindset. Legend. She is captain material and should have that role with Horan. No doubt.
I really loved the starting 11- they flow and read each other very well.
I got to watch the highlights this morning since I don't have any of the streaming services. Absolutely insane field conditions. Should have been delayed or rescheduled. But it was what it was. I always love our rivalry with our neighbors. Alyssa is underrated. I guess because she's the quiet type. No drama, just game. Keepers will be keepers, their own world. She's a boss and hope she still has a few more years in her!
LOVE IT!! I was screaming at the TV in disbelief that the game was being allowed to continue and my gut was turning with concern for all of the women on the pitch!! UNBELIEVABLE! The grit and determination on the field by both teams was impressive! Got my ticket to the Final and would love to say hi and grab a quick selfie :). Went to the World Cup last summer and journeyed with the team through that, and I'm super excited to see the path they are on at this point after rebounding from the bizarre knockout against Sweden where the world watched a game of inches turn into a game of millimeters. My heart fell out of my chest with compassion and heartache for the team as that was one of the most bizarre endings to a match I have seen in my short life span. Ashley. is. a. LEGEND - oh my is she ever!
Love this after games reviews Sammy!! So glad that you are here!! 💥🤩
Yay Alyssa 🥰I've enjoyed watching her play for years and seeing that superb performance was amazing. Alyssa should be MVP for the game and the tournament.
If there was ever any doubt that soccer organizations do not care about the players as people, it was washed away during this game. Player safety needs to be elevated to a much higher level. Significantly so. There are too many injuries. Morgan was on this roster because of an injury. And the unsafe playing conditions during this game were appalling.
Hi Sam! How are you?
We miss you on the pitch!!! Great summarizing the great game win against the CANWNT. The soggy field was bad to play on by both parties, but on the small mischievous thought that how often do you see this treacherous and funny water flashing like kids game huh????🤩🤩🤩
Alyssa NAEHER has moved all doubts about her as of late about last season lack of luster performance!!!! She has demonstrated and shown with flying colors that she still is the goat for the USWNT in this tournament so far!
Good for her! I anticipate the water on the field will be less on Sunday if not completely dried.
We’ll see! Go team USA 🌹💖⚽️🇺🇸👍🤩
Another takeaway should be how amazing Korbin Albert was, I think she was a beast last night, amazing for a player so young. I'm glad the coaches noticed and she was the only young player not substituted. think she is a future leader of this team. I think she's been really good the whole tournament, one game a little weaker, but one of the best players of this team in this tournament.
This game should never have been played in those conditions in the UK it would have been postponed as it would be classed as dangerous I’ve just watched the highlights and I’ve seen better pitches having games postponed
We can't expect FIFA, CONCACAF or any Federations to have the best interests of female players, they have their bank accounts to nurture.
It has been a problem for ALL players, this isn't a gendered issue lmao
It has been reported that the CONCACAF tournament head overruled the referee, who wanted to postpone. Name some CONCACAF names, please.
You know more than me, but I was chewing off my nails at the US defensive strategy during the 2nd extra time period, which was to try playing keep-away in the Canadian corner.
Thank u sm for talking about the conditions. It’s super infuriating as a viewer and I can’t even imagine how the players felt. #incompetency #lackofconsideration period!
One of my best friends tried to make a quick turn in the mud and he fucked up his knee so badly he's very injury prone even 10 years later. This game got me very heated very quickly.
When our Federation can’t recognize unsafe playing conditions then it is time to realize the organization needs a major house cleaning!
Who is in charge? Do the honorable thing abd resign - today!
Great report but I think Trinity also merited a shout out for her performance!!
Right On about everything Sam. In spite of the flood, what a tense game to watch. Happy to see the win.
Luv the analysis, Sam Mewis!!
And WTF was the no-call on the clear fowl on Fleming? Americans need to acknowledge ref bias in their favour. Thanks Sam for the positive shout out to the Canucks.
Davidson got her toe on the ball--you can tell from the way it bounced away. Disappointed in the U.S. rules "expert" not realizing that.
To be clear, there were a lot of no calls on Canada’s defense. Canada should have had 2 PKs for sure but also considering the horrible fouls that were against Rodman and Fox (Canada’s defense should have had a red card honestly), I’m not surprised they didn’t call those
CONCACAF'd again. USWNT should pay to ship over UEFA refs to avoid the rugby bias of the federation.
I love this under 10 min format Sam.
Well Done Sam. I miss your Snacks podcast. CHOMP!!! But I am so happy you are continuing to broadcast and that Lynn will be joining you soon. Hopefully, I will see you at the game on Sunday :)
I agree with you about the safety. The other issue in the first half in particular was that due to the conditions it felt like the game play was lost. Luck would be the reason for scoring and certainly the first goal was just a lucky break. It was frustrating and funny.
I gotta say that this game could've been one of the bests ever cause they are the best 2 teams on this competition I gotta say I was divided because I love both teams and these players deserved much better conditions to show their talent. I'm happy either way cause in the end US was the best one, they scored more penalties. But let me say this, right now, I believe that Canada has the best attack! You can desagree but thats the truth. I believe overall they have the best team. Period. I would ONLY change a few things and let players like Alidou play cause they are good strickers. Lacasse is on fire not ONLY here but also in Arsenal and was the best stricker ever of Benfica and was only there for 2 years. That says a lot. Alidou is following the same steps, she has 21 goals in 30 matches overall. Olivia Smith is doing great in Sporting too. I also wanna say that flaming was one of the best on the field this game. If not the best at all, of course not counting with goalkeepers. They have a lot of potencial to have an amazing olympics. To the US, it's time to get this throphy and show the world that you guys are more than ready for the olympics. Let's go.
Why do we see it rain like crazy during English Premier and Super League games and their fields don’t get water logged? You played over there-please give us your take on the field itself. That was crazy they made them play but that is so CONCACAF and USA balled out. Plus you didn’t mention that TV showed your tweet!!😊
My added two cents from being there last night:
(1) Alyssa was clearly the best goalkeeper of the four teams in the semi-finals. In fact, you could draw a STARK contrast between the Mexican goalkeeper's hesitation in going all-out for a basll or not leading to probably two of the three goals Brazil scored on her versus Naeher's FAST decision-making with ZERO hesitation in racing toward a ball. I even noted at one point that she did so knowing full-well there were one or even two teammates in position to protect the goal in case she miscalculated. But her scrambling out to the edge of the box in risky situations was clutch on multiple occasions.
(2) I remember in my youth watching gritty mano-a-mano knuckle fights between players in outside stadiums in American football matches between known blue-collar fandom rustbelt teams like Pittsburgh and Buffalo in the snow, and while I was worried for the players and thought it would be unfair for whichever team that advanced to have some injured players against Brazil, which saw very little rain in its match hours earlier, I did enjoy the grittiness... especially because it seemed to me that the Americans were much faster to realize that (a) you couldn't count on how far the ball would travel and thus it was better to boot the ball as far as you could, maybe bounce it off of opposing players, or try to swarm opposing players to get the ball back; and (b) that the more willing you were to get up-close-and-personal with elbows and knees the better. The Canadians didn't figure that (b) part out until after the half, and even then, the US team was better at it. We dominated the entire game because of the high energy the entire squad displayed.
(3) Not only was the condition of the pitch unacceptable, I felt that the referee was FAR too lenient in letting players get TOO physical in their play. I think being wildly defensive with elbows is fine, but the Canadians in the first twenty minutes or more seemed to have discovered that a great way to stop advancing American strikers was to "slip" in the water somehow directly in front of the American fielding the ball, taking them out AND stealing the ball after they both went down since they then had the advantage in getting up first or having a teammate close by to take it. That was obvious to me, since there was no contact and it happened a lot for awhile there.
Sam…it is disgraceful that the game officials didn’t have the courage to stop the game and replay it today. You have described what the players went through. But the fans took a beating also. These are two fine sides and we have a right to watch them play. Last night was so ridiculous, I stopped watching, and . I have never done that. It simply wasn’t a game. Thx for your insights
Hello Sam. Well said. I joked elsewhere that it was water polo, but you are right that it was beyond a joke. London City v Arsenal got postponed in similar conditions recently.
FIFA need to make sure the needs of TV do not come first over safety.
Brazil had three things to teach Mexico. Goal 1, goal 2 and goal 3. Good luck US in final. It will be a good lesson going forward, whatever happens.
Watching this through livestream thousands of miles away was a suspense, happy to see that the USWNT made it to the finals!
IMO money was the reason the game was not postponed. Twila’s post game cautious commentary gave the impression no one wanted to call out CONCACAF for not supporting ref who demonstrated TWICE (pre game and half) how bad things were. Even tho CONCACAF claimed it was up to the ref in statements to the press, cameras showed ref discussing issue with someone who was referred to as the CONCACAF official who let the match continue. Isn’t there a player’s association that protects them? Canada and US players were lucky no one was seriously injured.
The water situation made the game very tough for the players. I felt bad for them. Alyssa is a true legend. Excellent performance.
Great report Sam - thanks.
I totally agree, Sam. I thought it was wrong & unsafe to make the players continue to play on the horrible field condition. Also, it was amazing win!! Alyssa is a Super Star. She saved 3 goals and scored her penalty kick.
I felt this was so disrespectful to pretend that these elite players are playing in youth soccer. This is their livelihood- an injury can cost someone their career or Olympics.
Great recap, Sam. I give Naeher a hard time A LOT, but in this game, yo, girl kicked ass. 👍✌
What is frustrating- and maybe someone from the area can comment but I am sure field caretakers/owners knew that the field would be a problem. It likely does that every time it rains heavily. So shame on them for not doing something about it. Rollers etc could have made the field a whole lot better- that and a 2 hour delay could have gotten the field a lot more playable if they had the right equipment- doesn’t anyone look at a forecast out there?
Part of the problem is that we are used to playing on wet fields - but fields that drain so there is not standing water.
That game should have been stopped. Or stop it for the staff to get the puddles of the field. Thank god for no injuries. The Teams adjusted though. Amazing that Canada kept on kicking the PKs to the same spot. Nothing against the Naeher, but those seemed easier gets.
I was wondering during the game if it wasn’t in fact safer being water logged. After all, it was harder to olant and flip a knee, and going to ground in most cases meant a slide on water. Not that these were conditions to play in.
The teams had to play the field they were on, rather than a prepared game plan. To me, that brought out their true natures, what they are comfortable doing. The U.S. strength is making runs that take advantage of the other team’s weaknesses and (this time) errors, but as usual couldn’t do anything in the final 18. Conversely, that was where Canada was able to show their wares at crunch time. Then there was Alyssa Naher getting mad - and determined - and the Canadians not thinking through what they were doing in the PKs.
Be interesting to see how Brazil plays the U.S. Sunday.
There was an MLS men's game played in the snow last week.
That probably should have been postponed as well.
equally unwatchable.
Thanks Sam! This water polo game, played according to soccer rules, is why all athletes need to organize unions: the interests of ticket sellers and broadcasters/streamers need the counterweight of the players. Nevertheless, Alyssa Naeher's finale was astounding so I take guilty pleasure that the match was played through.
What exactly are the weather-related risks for players in a game like the US/Canada semi?
I'm a huge fan of the NWSL and the USWNT but have only been following closely for a handful of years and only played myself as a little kid, so my knowledge is quite limited. It's obviously a different game due to how the ball moves with so much standing water, but both teams seemed to adjust to that and it looked a bit more like a volleyball game ; ). The pace seemed slower even if it took more energy due to the water, and the player vs. player interactions a bit less aggressive.
Sam, can you explain why the U.S. Chose to kill time and bring the ball to the corners the entire second half of OT? I feel like if we would have lost this game that would have been something we talked about. But since we won, it's getting glanced over. Thoughts?
Yes, poor instructions from the sideline. How did they make a bad game worse? Timewasting.
Thank you, Sam. Analysis dead on. I think, though, that concacaf has the two English speaking countries play in those conditions intentionally. Even if no one got hurt, whichever won would be exhausted, beaten down, by the conditions. In a poorer condition to win against Brazil.
You say incompetence, I saw intent.
Naeher is captain material. I feel she deserves that responsibility and role with Horan.
Coach, I would like to ask you about the chosen tactics the US used in the second half of overtime. With only a one goal lead and everyone using Direct tactics I thought they went to the delay game way to early. I thought the US should have gotten one more goal before going into the time-wasting game. I am curious to see if you agree with what the US did or you think it was too early as well. I thought it was the most ridiculous soccer game I think I have ever seen played because of the conditions. See ya after the finals
Bananny killing it again with her insightful analysis 💛🍌💛🍌💛
This was outrageous making them play. Hope it won't affect their timing. Would The USMNT havenplayed in that?! Nails Naeher is my New nickname for Ms. 101 Caps.and counting....This game Toughens all of them up. A fitter Rose that we see may have made.the WC a different outcome with her playmaking.
They SHOULD have postponed the game. It felt like an AYSO game in the 90s. One observation that I would love to get your thoughts on... Am I wrong or did the team look Young/inexperienced? I can't ever recall seeing the ladies team try to protect a lead. Too many times we had everyone within 20-30 yards or our own goal and just kicking the ball away and then taking the ball into the corners with so much time left. Even when leading, we had always been on the attack and tried to control the ball to run out the time. To me, it looks like a team that does not have the confidence/mentality of USWNT teams of the past?
I know that the heavy rain occurred between warmups and the start of the match, but both captains should have refused to play and protect their players. That was not soccer and now the US team has recovery issues having to play longer last night and waterlogged too!!
1. Girls don’t change their game with field conditions
2. Canada can’t shoot PKs
3. Brazil Brazil Brazil
Emily Fox was a beast as well.
If only the turf was dry the game woulda of been so different!!!
I get that the conditions sucked, but I've yet to hear any reasoning for why it was dangerous.
For the record... W Gold Cup > Men's Gold Cup. No cap, only facts
❤
Yeah, that was an insane pitch.
And, really, that first American goal was an act of god as much as anything.
Putting those players in a no win situation with the field conditions as they were. Completely unacceptable. Delay the game based on the weather forecast.
So two things: The first, to anyone who reads this, Concacaf, US Soccer and FIFA all have contact pages, reach out and complain about the unsafe conditions of this game and demand improvements for the future.
The second; The United States intentionally wasted 15 minutes of play in the second half of extra time in the corner of the field, instead of trying to score. Why? That was disgraceful and dishonorable and it allowed the Canadians a chance back into the game. As far as I'm concerned, you play full time and if there are a couple of minutes left then you play conservatively to secure the win. This behavior from the US was unsportsmanlike, disgraceful and un-American. Shame on the coaching staff. Americans are supposed to give it their all till the end, wasting time like that was shameful.
Sammy! I hope I see you. ❤❤❤
I loved it. A different game set, something played once in a bunch of millennial games. That’s what you get for getting a Rugby shirt, dirty, nasty, and rough.
Of course it was unsafe and, no, it wasn't a surprise it continued. Concacaf and the TV network had money on the table and schedules to meet. If they had to postpone the game and the final, that put money at risk. That's all that matters to the rich dilettantes in charge of those organizations. The safety of the players just didn't matter.
Couldn’t the two coaches have agreed to not play if they thought it would put the players at risk?
Standing water on field why is the field not crowned this is unacceptable the players of bough teams should not have played thank god no one got heart 🇺🇸🏆
At the end if the day the powers that be and the stars aligned for them to right the wrong in allowing this match to proceed with equalizing the match with a bogus penalty kick. I did not think this was fair play for either team. If the match ended at the end of extra time the USWNT would not hear then end of it. But it didn't, it went to PK's. Basically each team was given a fair opportunity to win the match despite the crappy situation each team was handed by mother nature. The best team won.
It wasn't even fun to watch cause I had this paralyzing fear that someone was going to get severely injured right before the Olympics
Why is it that every time Mexico and Canada lose to the U.S., it was the refs? If they win, no problem. It was the weather and just plain bad luck that dictated this game not the refs. And, oh, yeah, some incredibly weak shots in the shootout.
Think main reason game continued boiled down to simple greed for the big monied people.
Where will you sit? I’ll be in section 108.
Why is nobody talking about smith having a perfect ball to take down field and kill the rest of the clock . But no she made another mistake and gave it away and boom there’s the goal. The goal she did score could have been scored by any kid on u10 travel team.
Every time I think I've capped out my awe for Alyssa Naeher, she proves me wrong. Game shouldn't have gone on, but unbelievable tenacity from both teams
(So glad we get to hear your thoughts Sam!!)
The narrative that it was unsafe needs to stop.
Those were peak ACL tear conditions though. You can play soccer in a little muck but that was clearly too much.
ACL injuries are one of the top results of playing in poor conditions like that. ACL injuries more frequent for women than men, so it's apples to oranges. FFS we don't even have female-specific footwear for professionals yet. Macario took 2 years to recover from hers. It's a huge deal in the women's game and should be recognized as such.
Between weather conditions and poor reffing, CONCACAF has put bodies and careers in danger repeatedly. What else is new!? THANKS for your advocacy SAM. VERY important! Go Alyssa Naeher!! ⚽🏟🥅👏🏾